Saudi Visit Visa for Indian Passport

The Saudi tourist visa is a Tourist eVisa for eligible visitors. Under Article 4 of the Ministry of Tourism's regulations, the list of nationalities that can get a visa online or on arrival is published on visitsaudi.com. Visa.visitsaudi.com tells applicants whose country is not on that list to contact the nearest Saudi embassy. So the first step for any Indian traveller is to check the live list for India on the day you apply.

Under the same regulations, the tourist visa covers tourism activities, including Umrah outside the Hajj season. It does not cover Hajj, and it does not allow work.

Article 6(2) of the regulations lets some travellers use the online eVisa process even if their nationality is not on the main list. As an Indian passport holder, you can apply this way if you:

1. Hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen tourist or business visa that you have used at least once to enter the country that issued it. First-degree relatives travelling with you are also covered.
2. Hold permanent residence in the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom. First-degree relatives travelling with you are also covered.
3. Hold a GCC residence visa valid for at least three months in a profession listed on visitsaudi.com, along with first-degree relatives travelling with you.
4. Have bought a Ministry-approved tour package from a licensed travel and tourism provider. Visit Saudi's Package Visa campaign lists participating countries and partners, so check whether India is on the live page.

1. Open visa.visitsaudi.com and start a tourist visa application.
2. Select your nationality and answer the eligibility questions, including any exemption category that applies.
3. Enter your passport details and upload your photo and the supporting documents requested, such as a copy of your US, UK, or Schengen visa with its entry stamp.
4. Add your address in Saudi Arabia and provide the medical insurance the portal asks for. Article 5 says it must be insurance approved in the Kingdom.
5. Pay the fee shown at checkout and track your application in your account.

If India is not on the eVisa list and no exemption applies, Article 6(1) says you apply through a Saudi diplomatic mission or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs digital embassy. In India, these missions are:

1. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi: EP 30 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri
2. Consulate General, Mumbai: Maker Tower F Wing, Cuffe Parade

Appointments and biometrics are handled through VFS Tasheer. Book at vc.tasheer.com and check the embassy website for current instructions for your area.

Article 5 sets the general requirements for every tourist visa applicant:

1. A completed application with the required supporting documents
2. Biometrics, registered during the application or on arrival
3. A passport valid for at least 6 months
4. Medical insurance approved in Saudi Arabia
5. A registered address in the Kingdom (your hotel or host)
6. Payment of the visa fee

For the embassy route, Article 6(1) adds:

1. A return ticket with your flight itinerary (not needed if you arrive by land or sea)
2. An accommodation booking in Saudi Arabia, plus your home address in India
3. An employee identification certificate
4. Proof of funds: a bank statement or salary certificate

1. Salaried employee — Extra evidence to prepare: Employee ID certificate and salary certificate or bank statement
2. Holder of a US, UK, or Schengen visa — Extra evidence to prepare: The valid visa and proof you have used it (entry stamp)
3. Permanent resident of the US, EU, or UK — Extra evidence to prepare: Your residence card or permit
4. GCC resident — Extra evidence to prepare: A residence visa valid for at least three months in a listed profession
5. Family travelling together — Extra evidence to prepare: Proof of first-degree relationship if you use an exemption category
6. Under 18 — Extra evidence to prepare: Travel with a guardian or safe companion (Article 5)

The portal or VFS Tasheer checklist is the final word. Upload or carry only what it asks for and what honestly supports your trip.

Fees, stay length, and validity can change, so this article does not quote a fixed SAR or rupee amount. Check the fee and the terms shown at visa.visitsaudi.com checkout, or the VFS Tasheer and embassy instructions for the mission route, before you pay. Insurance and VFS service charges may be added to the total.

Visit Saudi and the embassy do not publish a fixed processing time or an approval rate for Indian applicants. Ignore "instant approval" claims that do not appear on official pages, and apply well before your flight.

1. Using an unused US, UK, or Schengen visa. Article 6(2) requires the visa to have been used at least once.
2. Planning Hajj on a tourist visa. Article 10 says Hajj is only allowed on a Hajj visa, and Umrah is not allowed during the Hajj season.
3. Working on a tourist visa. Paid and unpaid work are both prohibited.
4. A passport close to expiry. Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity.
5. Applying through the wrong channel. If the portal does not accept your profile, apply through the embassy or consulate via VFS Tasheer instead of trying unofficial sites.

Keep your approved visa with your passport, and carry the insurance and accommodation details you entered. If you did not give biometrics during the application, Article 5 allows them to be registered on arrival. While in Saudi Arabia, Article 10 requires you to follow Saudi law, carry identification at all times, stick to the purpose of your visa, and leave within the permitted stay. The regulations say penalties apply to anyone who breaks these rules.